John Deere JD3010 Reviews
My First Year with a 3010
Model Year: 1963
I bought a refurbished 3010 gas row crop with a 148 loader in part because I needed a tractor to harvest hay and in part because it was a beautiful piece of history...ie a US manufactured machine still working very well after 47 years and a great deal of TLC. The tractor and loader look almost new and I hope to keep it that way. After the purchase, I had problems finding grease covers for the front wheels. When I finally figured out the JD part number on the spindles I found that the front axle and wheels were not 3010 but a heavier duty 25XX. That was just the beginning. It was delivered by the dealer while running on the back of the truck (because they got it started and were afraid to shut it off for fear of not getting it going again). A new battery, a carb overhaul and conversion from electronic to std points and condenser finally got it going. When I ran it out of gas, I learned from my neighbor how to get it started again after adding some gasoline. I took my portable compressor down to the field, wrapped a rag around the gas opening, and pumped air into the tank. This worked.
Pros: Great tractor when it is running.
Cons: Don't buy an old one unless you are a mechanic or have a very good friend who is.
Model Year: 1963
I bought a refurbished 3010 gas row crop with a 148 loader in part because I needed a tractor to harvest hay and in part because it was a beautiful piece of history...ie a US manufactured machine still working very well after 47 years and a great deal of TLC. The tractor and loader look almost new and I hope to keep it that way. After the purchase, I had problems finding grease covers for the front wheels. When I finally figured out the JD part number on the spindles I found that the front axle and wheels were not 3010 but a heavier duty 25XX. That was just the beginning. It was delivered by the dealer while running on the back of the truck (because they got it started and were afraid to shut it off for fear of not getting it going again). A new battery, a carb overhaul and conversion from electronic to std points and condenser finally got it going. When I ran it out of gas, I learned from my neighbor how to get it started again after adding some gasoline. I took my portable compressor down to the field, wrapped a rag around the gas opening, and pumped air into the tank. This worked.
Pros: Great tractor when it is running.
Cons: Don't buy an old one unless you are a mechanic or have a very good friend who is.
John Deere 3010
Model Year: 1961
Bought used, of course. Well-painted by previous owner but needing much mechanical/electrical TLC. Even though it still needs some repairs, it runs strong, will not overheat in 100 degree weather, and uses a modest amount of oil (some blowby). The hitch control is not working properly, but when repaired it will be very useful. Steering and braking all-power and excellent, easy to drive. All in all, and excellent working farm machine.
Pros: Features, power, easy of operation, and comfort.
Cons: Few, if any, when everything is working right.
Photo Uploads:
Model Year: 1961
Bought used, of course. Well-painted by previous owner but needing much mechanical/electrical TLC. Even though it still needs some repairs, it runs strong, will not overheat in 100 degree weather, and uses a modest amount of oil (some blowby). The hitch control is not working properly, but when repaired it will be very useful. Steering and braking all-power and excellent, easy to drive. All in all, and excellent working farm machine.
Pros: Features, power, easy of operation, and comfort.
Cons: Few, if any, when everything is working right.
Photo Uploads:
A great tractor in its day
Model Year: 1961
We bought it at a huge equipment auction on a blustery day, and they couldn't get it started. The bid was $1,750 and I poked my dad and said that's cheap. He said yup and the auctioneer thought that was a bid. It was a great 55hp 8 speed synchro diesel tractor. Lots of power, strong hydraulics, and it sipped the fuel. Dated by today's standards, but still a good tractor as evidenced by its current used prices. I wish we still had that tractor.
Pros: Quiet, fuel effecient, reliable
Cons: Sometimes had more power than traction
Model Year: 1961
We bought it at a huge equipment auction on a blustery day, and they couldn't get it started. The bid was $1,750 and I poked my dad and said that's cheap. He said yup and the auctioneer thought that was a bid. It was a great 55hp 8 speed synchro diesel tractor. Lots of power, strong hydraulics, and it sipped the fuel. Dated by today's standards, but still a good tractor as evidenced by its current used prices. I wish we still had that tractor.
Pros: Quiet, fuel effecient, reliable
Cons: Sometimes had more power than traction